October 25, 2018
Psalm 34:1-8 The Message (MSG)
Recently, I have been spending quite a bit of time pondering what I really want people to know about the God I serve. Do you ever set aside time to think about what you want the people around you to know as to why you follow Christ and live by the authority of his Word? Why you set aside a financial tithe and join with people of faith in praise and worship each week? If you had one sentence to share with others knowing you might never see them again, what would that sentence be? What would comprise your life testimony? Would fear drive it or would love drive it?
King David spent years running in fear from the abuse and hatred of Saul; oddly, at one time he found himself trying to take refuge with the Philistines who hated him (remember David took down their champion Goliath). Our passage today, is the testimony of David and how the Lord was near him even during these times of running, hiding, and pretending. David was learning how to worship the Lord with his every breath; to praise God first as an individual and then to grow that praise in the hearts of others so that it would become a corporate praise radiating from the earth and glorifying the Lord with one voice. David testifies that when the Lord delivered him from each level of fear, he could take on a new appearance and shine with radiance for God. Our testimonies are powerful because they reveal the action of God in our lives.
So, my one sentence testimony would be: “All my life God has rescued me from fear and delivered me into new ways of experiencing his love, forgiveness, power, and blessings so I may help you and others connect to the Truth, cast down fear, trust his love, and praise him with me!” May our lives be a living testimony as we worship the Lord.
Psalm 34:1-8
34
I bless God every chance I get;
my lungs expand with his praise.
2
I live and breathe God;
if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:
3
Join me in spreading the news;
together let’s get the word out.
4
God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.
5
Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.
6
When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.
7
God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
8
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.
Prayer: Lord, years ago you opened my eyes and ears to the depth of your love for me. Simply saying “thank you” is inadequate, so I will tell others about your goodness to me as a way to show you my love and gratitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.